Modular Spectrophotometer 45/0 Head for Compact Reflectance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable spectrophotometers face challenges in accurately measuring reflectance due to limitations in light distribution and modular design, which affects their compactness, ease of assembly, and portability.
Innovation Solution
A modular spectrophotometer with a 45/0 head design featuring a ring-shaped light source of multiple LEDs, a reflective dome housing, and a fiber optic assembly that separates light into sample and reference channels, allowing for precise measurement of reflectance with a compact and lightweight structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional non-modular spectrophotometer design is used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrophotometer is divided into modular components including a light source module, sample chamber module, detector module, and housing module. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, significantly improving ease of assembly while maintaining measurement accuracy through standardized optical interfaces and alignment features.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then portability is improved, but light distribution and measurement accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components are nested within a compact housing structure where the light source, sample chamber, and detector are arranged in a space-efficient configuration. The 45-degree illumination geometry allows light to be directed at oblique angles, reducing the required footprint while maintaining adequate light distribution across the sample area for accurate reflectance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a 45-degree illumination angle configuration where light is directed at the sample from a 45-degree angle rather than perpendicular incidence. This dimensional change in light path geometry allows for more efficient space utilization within the compact device while maintaining proper light distribution and measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light channels are integrated, then measurement capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrophotometer incorporates multiple light channels (reference channel and sample channel) within a unified modular architecture. The housing and optical bench serve multiple functions by providing both structural support and optical guidance for multiple measurement pathways, enhancing measurement capability while controlling structural complexity through integrated design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate reflectance measurement with a compact and portable device, facilitating ease of assembly and operation by utilizing a modular design that ensures precise light distribution and efficient light channeling for both sample and reference channels.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting light
Implementation Method 2
a reflective housing positioned above the plurality of light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the invention is a spectrophotometer with a modular 45/0 head. One embodiment of an apparatus for measuring a reflectance of a sample includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting light, a reflective housing positioned above the plurality of light emitting diodes, where the reflective housing is a dome having a plurality of apertures formed around its perimeter, a sample channel for capturing a first portion of the light, where the first portion of the light interacts with the sample, and a reference channel for capturing a second portion of the light, where the second portion of the light is independent of the sample.